Dr Loblay was the Director of the Allergy Unit in the Clinical Immunology Department at RPA for more than 35 years. 
 

Dr Robert Loblay, a remarkable clinician, has passed away. 

Dr Loblay was the Director of the Allergy Unit in the Clinical Immunology Department at RPA Hospital for more than 35 years, and a key figure in the development of allergy treatments and a leader in the District’s ethics framework.   

An award-winning student at the University of Sydney, Dr Loblay’s first appointment on graduation was as a Junior Medical Officer at RPA in 1970.  

Throughout his career he lived and worked to inspire others. His passion for education and research into food intolerances – especially peanut allergies and diet-related gastrointestinal conditions – made him a leader in the field and a mentor for many.  

He was an author on RPA’s Food Intolerance Handbooks and an author of Friendly Food, a bestselling guide to managing common food allergies and intolerances. He had a unique ability to distil complicated information and provide logical solutions to problems.   

Dr Loblay also had an active role in research in our District. He was Chair of the RPA Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for 30 years, a longtime Chair of the RPA Ethics of Clinical Practice Subcommittee and convener of the RPAH Clinical Ethics Advisory Committee. He helped the hospital and District navigate the changing face of research practices, upholding ethical standards in clinical practice and safeguarding patient rights.   

In committee and leadership positions at the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), Dr Loblay worked to establish best practices in standards for researchers and clinicians. He was pivotal in developing and disseminating guidelines for the prevention and management of anaphylaxis. He was also instrumental in having the EpiPen listed on the PBS, making the treatment more affordable for those at risk of severe allergic reactions.  

To commemorate Dr Loblay and his legacy in academia, research and clinical services, colleagues in the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy will launch the Dr Robert Loblay Research Award in 2025. This annual grant for RPA clinical staff undertaking research will facilitate attendance at national meetings to present their research.   

Dr Loblay was an inspiration to many of us and will be remembered for his dedication to improving the lives of many. He will be missed.